Matthew 13, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #301-305

MEMORY VERSE: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had nearly slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts come iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice. In their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued, I have been punished every morning. If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so will you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. When my heart was grieved, and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you." Psalm 73:1-22

NOTES: Most of Retreat was centered around Matthew 13 and the theme of being a genuine Christian rather than a good-looking fake. Here are some notes:
Message #1: The Rich Young Man (Mark 10:17-31)
-Theres more than meets the eye (v.17-22): God cares about your heart
-Heart transplants are possible (v.23-27): it's impossible to get to heaven with your own heart, but with God all things are possible
-Many who are first will be last, and the last first (v.28-31): What are my motivations?
Message #2: The Hard Soil (Matt 13) = the unresponsive hearer
-There are two ways to live:
1) Our way: to reject God & run life our way. Results in condemnation, death & judgement
2) God's way: Submit to Jesus as ruler, rely on death & resurrection. Result: Forgiven by God, given eternal life.
Message #3: Rocky Ground = the superficial hearer
-How does Jesus care for me during seasons of suffering?
-Genuine Christians know there is a purpose for their suffering, and that they are not alonge
-Know that God will help them endure
-Know that they can have hope because there is a better life to come
Message #4: The Weedy Soil = the worldly hearer
-How do I love Jesus more than the world?
-Trusting in God
-Being generous/sacrificing idols
Message #5: The Good Soil - the embracing hearer
-Hears the Word, understands the Word, & Produces fruit
-John 15:1-16: How will my life change when Jesus is close to me?
-Abide in Christ
-Bear fruit
-Be obedient
-love others

*Acts of Love done at retreat are out of order and kind of random. Since I didn't write it all down, these are just what I remember.
ACT OF LOVE #301: Went to Pine Valley for my last HS Winter Retreat! Brought a giant, Costco-sized bag of delicous Sour Cream and Onion POPCHIPS and shared it with everyone on the bus.


ACT OF LOVE #302: Offered my clothes to my fellow cabinmates. Let someone borrow my CSF jacket, my CSF sweater, and my shower slippers! Helped people with their Secret Pals by giving hugs, serving people meals, and delivering candy.

ACT OF LOVE #303: Wrote encouragement notes to everyone in the fellowship, including counselors and speaker. Also took some time to get to know Gavin, our speaker, and his beautiful family.

ACT OF LOVE #304: Had an amazing girl time with the fellowship. Allowed myself to be vulnerable, and supported others in their vulnerability. Amazing time of honesty and fellowship with fellow sisters.

ACT OF LOVE #305: Sent my friend a pic from 2 years ago. It was a trip down memory lane!